Ronald Morgan

Dates

Obituary

Ronald Morgan, 88, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Ronald Robert Morgan was born January 5, 1937, to Charles and Loretta (Nieses) Morgan on the family homestead in Miner County. Ronald lived a very fulfilling life and moved to Mitchell, SD, as a young boy. As a Catholic, he graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955.

Ronald was known for his storytelling, often recalling how his cousin Bob Feller visited him in the hospital during recovery from hand surgery. He married the love of his life, Barbara Gaetze, on October 3rd, 1964, at Holy Family Catholic Church. They raised eight children together and celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Ronald worked for Jim Murphy in Reliance and Intercity Bus Lines in Mitchell before owning USPS contracted mail routes. After retiring from truck driving, he worked at Walmart, earning numerous awards for the Children's Miracle Network fundraising. He also volunteered with the South Dakota Special Olympics. He held leadership roles and was a member of the United Commercial Travelers (UCT) since 1962. He enjoyed playing card games such as Poker and Bridge (Sojourners & Marathon Bridge).

He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a lifelong Vikings fan, traveled often, always with Mom by his side. His playful spirit included finding quarters in kids' ears and performing tricks to make others smile.

Ronald is survived by his children, Michelle (Dan) Mika of Mitchell, Monica (Neal) Rothenberger of Grand Island, NE, Michael Morgan of Sioux Falls, Mary (Bill) Fuchuck of Omaha, NE, Marcia (Tracy) Sprinkel of Mitchell, Mark (Renatka) Morgan of Knoxville, TN Margaret (Adam) Berkey of Kearney, NE, and Matthew Morgan of Mitchell; sisters, Elaine Goldammer, Gloria (Ann) Arbuckle, and Colleen Fitzgerald; brother, Alan (Chuck) Morgan; sisters-in-law, Mary Jessen and Eileen Honner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Morgan; parents; brother, Thomas Morgan; sister, Mary Carol Smith; parents-in-law, Francis and Margaret Gaetze; brothers-in-law, Marvin Jessen, Kenneth Gaetze, Stephen Fitzgerald, Ronald Honner, and Francis Goldammer; and sisters-in-law, Josephine Gaetze and Sylvia Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation(s)

Service

Cemetery